10 Things Every Unlimited Absolutely Knows

There are many roles and attributes that describe the unlimited woman. She wears many hats and sometimes finds herself being as much as she can be to everyone. Yes, she is strong, sometimes weak, she is hopeful, sometimes a little unsure, and yes she is fearless but at times she lacks a little courage. Regardless, of the  emotions she experiences in life, the unlimited woman is sure of the greatness that she possesses.
She's unlimited not because of her titles, but because of the greatness that she is and is destined for. The unlimited woman is unlimited because she has developed and maintains a mindset and a spirit about herself that carries her gracefully through her journey.
There are specific truths that the Unlimited woman is absolutely sure of as she maneuvers through her journey in life and business.
Her purpose, gifts, and mission in life are non-negotiables because she knows how impactful they are to her family and community.
Here are 10 Truths the Unlimited woman believes:
1) She is purposed to lead, nurture, build, and heal others as she is empowered and healed.
2) Despite loss, brokenness, or tragedy, the unlimited woman knows she can overcome and is not designed to be a loss. She recognizes that oftentimes pain from these experiences can produce purpose and give way to healing that is greater than the hurt.
3) The unlimited woman recognizes that her greatness is within her, so is her gift, and that she is greatness.
4) She knows that her mission is not only for her but for others to assist her in moving her mission forward.

5) The unlimited woman knows that she must be aligned with like-minded, forward thinking, mission driven, community-conscious individuals.
6) She knows that she must balance her hard work and commitment with rest, retreat, & restoration.
7) The unlimited woman knows that her actions, requires goals, which require a plan, which requires accountability, intention, and partners who support her in reaching those goals.
8) She knows that her personal and professional development are ever evolving and that growth is always essential.
9) The unlimited woman doesn't stop at "NO" and doesn't use "I Can't", but she uses challenges as an opportunity to evaluate her strategy, for improvement, and to forge ahead. Purpose is a driving force in her life.
10) The unlimited woman does NOT believe that other women are her enemies, in fact, she embraces the uniqueness and strengths of other women.
The unlimited woman ultimately embraces all of who she is and the gifts she is blessed with to use in the world. This woman whether she realizes it yet or not is the woman deep down inside of all of us.  She not limited by any thing that seeks to disturb her from her highest level of greatness. The unlimited woman has replaced the the "I Can't" mindset with a "I Can & I Will" mindset. Everything that the unlimited woman sets out to do will teach her something of value. Are you ready to take the limits off of your life?!

If you are looking to align with other unlimited women and continue to evolve personally, professionally, & take your actions to another level --- Join Heal a Woman to Heal a Nation.
About the Author: Cassandra N. Vincent is the creator of The Cassie Brown Project and loves to inspire women to live their most liberated lives. Connect with Cassie at Unlimited You Weekend April 10- 12, 2015 www.unlimitedactions.com for more.

This is It! Don't Rehearse

Have you heard the saying, how you do one thing is how you do everything? A friend of mine shared it with me this past week and then it popped up in O magazine. Serendipity! The phrase also reminds me of what my high school tennis coach used to say to me. How you practice is how you play.  During my two year career on the tennis court, this saying made me realize when I wasn’t practicing with my all. I would run slower if I was tired or stopped short on a swing instead of carrying it through and sure enough I would do the same thing when it came to a game. I finally got tired of losing and I knew I need to do something different. 

Either I wasn’t good enough or I wasn’t giving it my all. How often do we decide that “this” doesn’t work only to realize that it would if we did it to the best of our ability? I decided to practice with my all.  It was brutal. Nothing about playing tennis or any sport came easy to me. However, that final year, all my sweat equity paid off. I earned a gold medal in Doubles and bronze in Singles. Not bad for a girl who almost failed gym. I just remember thinking, “this is it”. What made the difference wasn’t just how I played the game, but how I practiced for each game. Fast forward a decade, quickly becoming two but who’s counting, and I’m witnessing the lesson come to life again.

What would happen if every day you showed up as if This Is It? 

Michael Jackson is one of the greatest entertainers of the last century.  This would be difficult for anyone to dispute.  Recently, I was watching a clip of Judith Hill and Michael Jackson from his This is It tour which we know never saw one concert performance due to Michael’s passing. Okay, so I wasn’t actually watching the clip at first. I was at my computer working on this newsletter as a matter of fact and the song “I can’t Stop Loving You” began after I listened to another of Hill’s songs on YouTube. I’m thinking that sounds like Michael Jackson, totally forgetting about the duet she was schedule to perform with the King of Pop. I looked at the video and it was at the moment when the camera panned the audience of about oh… 13 people.  The clip is from a rehearsal for the This Is It tour. In the large stadium to witness the magic was only the band, backup dancers and critical staff, but they’re performance was worth of a sold out show to thousands. It wasn’t perfect but seriously it was darn good. You could see Michael giving Judith instructions and even singing out instructions to the band. Uhm… could you have someone recorded your practice and it be nearly as perfect as the live show? I mean seriously, what would happen if we showed up each day as if this is the show not a dress rehearsal?

We have to live life one day at a time. We don’t have any other choice. And factually nothing is guaranteed. Michael didn’t know that we’d never see the live concert but his dedication to his craft showed u,p even in during practice time. The day before your life changes is like any other day.

So whether we’re working to start a business, play an instrument, perform in an arena, jump start a career or even a build a family, every day we should work to build our lives. You’re the boss. You are the Chief Experience Officer (hey I kinda like that) of your existence and we have to show up knowing that this is it. It won’t always be easy. Yet, shoot for the stars. Repeat what works until you get it perfect. Ask for what you need, when you need help (even Michael had a coach). Reinvent yourself when necessary. However, whatever you focus your life on.   

Don’t rehearse! Always show up and play full out! This is it. 

About the author: Sister Mothyna James-Brightful is a self-proclaimed “Self Love Revolutionary”. She has spent the last decade empowering women and girls to live authentic lives as the Visionary Director and Co-founder of Heal a Woman to Heal a Nation. Sister Mothyna is co-author of Because I am a Queen...100 Affirmations for Daily Living and is currently working on her forth coming book Engage.Inspire. Prevent: Tips to Educating Teens on Sexual Violence. Stay connected www.hwhn.org: Twitter @mothyna

How to Stay the Course

How can you storm past the obstacles in your path to success? 

Imagine you're running a race on an obstacle course. If you keep your head down and merely jogged you won't have the momentum you need to jump the hurdles (knocking them down won't make you lose points in this race) or scale the walls.

To achieve your ultimate success without being knocked off-course, you'll need two tools:

·        Endurance

·        Destination  

Fuel for the Journey

The best athletes know that rest is as important as practice. In order to knock obstacles out of the way, achieve your goals, and stay the course, take time daily to refuel and recharge. How you feed your mind is just as important as fueling your body. Consider who you're around, what you read and what you listen to as you refuel. We don't want to run our race on empty. Let's build our endurance muscles for those obstacles by feeding our mind and body with the best ingredients and let's educate ourselves on how to best meet our goals.  

Maintain Your Momentum

Although some love moving fast! It's not best to go from 0- 80, however once we build our momentum and get our energy flowing we're able to regulate the ebb and flow. Some hurdles call for a high leap and others a strategic climb, however, all require momentum. Whether the goal is to lose weight, start a business or save money, you have to be consistent. Hurdles will come, like gaining 2 pounds this week or those super cute pair of shoes on sale however working diligently with the finish line in mind (even if it's not in view) will help keep you on track.  

Destination= Vision

We know the finish line is there however, we can't always see it. You already know where you’re going so on the other side of a mountain of debt, is financial freedom. On the other side of that paperwork is a non-profit status so you can serve in a greater way.  You know exactly where you're aiming to be, so let's view the markers along the race letting you know where you are. Writing your goals and having an accountability community is so important. Share your vision, it doesn't mean everyone will agree with you however you can find that partner to help you stay accountable to your ultimate goal. You may have heard, "get an accountability partner" before, however its particular impactful when you're faced with obstacles or stumbling blocks on your path towards success. Make the time, ideally a few minutes each day, visualizing your success. Imagine it! Feel the joy! Truly building out the experience in your mind will help to make it a reality. 

Building your endurance for the journey and keeping the vision of your ultimate success will ensure that you turn mountains into molehills.

How will you build your endurance to overcome your current obstacles? Let us know in the comments below. 

About the author: Sister Mothyna James-Brightful is a self proclaimed “Self Love Revolutionary”. She has spent the last decade empowering women and girls to live authentic lives. Sister Mothyna is the Visionary Director and Co-founder of Heal a Woman to Heal a Nation. Sister Mothyna is co-author of Because I am a Queen...100 Affirmations for Daily Living and is currently working on her forth coming book Engage.Inspire. Prevent. Educating Teens on Sexual Violence. Stay connected www.hwhn.org: Twitter @mothyna

Expect to Win and B.O.L.T.

Usain Bolt is described as the fastest man alive! I was recently watching the documentary on his extraordinary Olympic wins and track career. In the film, Bolt describes what happens on the track and how he wins his race. As he described it, I was hit by how much it really describes life and business for those of us entrepreneurs. Here are the 8 phases of the B.O.L.T.! 

 

The Start- Bolt describes himself as a poor starter...WHAT!!! The fastest man in the world a poor starter. Get out of here! We all know we need a good start to win, right? How you start isn't the final outcome.  If you keep moving and get yourself in a good position with the right steps, you can still win. How? It's what happens along the way. It's what you do after the start and that's the drive.  

No matter how you start, once you begin you have to keep your head down (focused), body forward and drive, drive, drive. How often do we have a bad start to our day and run up against obstacles? The way out of it is to DRIVE, feed your mind and actions with positive energy and keep moving forward. During your drive phase is not the time to stop and worry about what anyone else is doing, if you're comparing your start to others, then you're out of focus. Your check-in comes later.  

Now, GET TALL! Coming out of your drive phase is when you get tall. It's time to own your power. You can begin to pick up your pace, increase your speed. Your eyes are on the ultimate goal but you know you have a ways to go. This is where you are following your plan. Believe that you can accomplish the goal.... Yes, your product stands head and shoulders above the rest. Yes, you deserve the healthiest body. Yes, your unique gift is needed in the marketplace.  Can you pick up momentum?   

Well, believe it or not, you're half way there!!! Now, it's time to CHECK your position. Where are you in the race? Where are your colleagues (not just competitors)? This is where you find you might need encouragement, because you haven't met your goal yet but you need the cheers of your supporters to keep you fueled and in the race. Allow family... friends... clients... HWHN... to be your cheering squad and know we want you to succeed.  

Up next is your BEAST phase! Dominate your race, know that you've come a long way and you are winning. Others have started and stopped. Many never entered the race. Not only are you here, this is the strongest and most difficult part of your journey. Know that you are in it to win it and we're almost to the finish line.

As you get within arms reach of the finish line, CHECK... again. Many of us look around and say "Can I stop running?" You might be able too, except there is someone or something coming around the bend trying to catch up with you. Don't stop because the next phase is the glory.

You did it! Break the ribbon, draw that breath and do your VICTORY DANCE. You've won! Enjoy the moment and celebrate your win. Yet, here is the thing....there is always another race. Another audacious goal, a new challenge which will be met by a new victory. The last phase is to REPEAT. Bolt, raced again and beat the world record in each division! You have some records to shatter in your own life.   

So let's recap.... 

Eight phases of B.O.L.T...

Start

Drive

Check

Beast

Check, again

Victory Dance 

Repeat  

Each race, each goal begins with the start. Remember this isn't just about competing against others, your best opponent is yourself. Strive to be better than you were yesterday. What have you begun, but not finished? Do you have your cheering squad? Are you expecting to win? My challenge to you is to expect your greatness. B.O.L.T.! Believe in Opportunities to Leverage your Talent!

About the author: Sister Mothyna James-Brightful is a self proclaimed “Self Love Revolutionary”. She has spent the last decade empowering women and girls to live authentic lives. Sister Mothyna is the Visionary Director and Co-founder of Heal a Woman to Heal a Nation. Sister Mothyna is co-author of Because I am a Queen...100 Affirmations for Daily Living and is currently working on her forth coming book Engage.Inspire. Prevent. Educating Teens on Sexual Violence. Stay connected www.hwhn.org: Twitter @mothyna

What Will You Gain When You Lose

I adore the principle of the Kellogg’s Gains Project. You’ve seen the commercials that ask the question “What Will You Gain When You Lose?” The campaign is all about women deserving to feel more beautiful and sharing positive inspiration. While, the campaign takes this personalized approach to weight loss, it makes me think of the weights that hold us back from living freely in mind, spirit and body. What will you gain when lose?  We’re often afraid that to release means that we’ll lose some key part of ourselves. But what would happen if you lose fear? Doubt? Insecurity? Thoughts of Lack? What could we gain by releasing these limits?

I recently had a conversation with a friend who lives on the West Coast. I shared how sometimes it seems like while we work hard, I doubt whether we make the impact that we desire to see in the lives of women. I’m not sure if women “get IT”, that feeling of support, accomplishment and growth. Well, in her unique no nonsense way, she sho’ put me in my place. She helped me to lose so that I could gain.

“Says who?” was her response.  She spoke from her truth, sharing that she’s attended our annual conferences and seminars since 2008. “And not cause I like ya’ miss ma’am.” Well the nerve of her, of course she likes me. Lol! I literally tried to laugh off the conversation. How many times have had awkward moments where we feel vulnerable and want to rush through the experience?

Not with my sister friend, she made me face the scale with her own level of vulnerability. She shared that our events have helped her gain renewed purpose and clarity. Her journal writing and poetry went from a dark place to light and fresh. She is healthier and feels freer to be herself, which affected her family in much the same way. But that’s not all; she’s started a successful businesses based on her passion, has made an awesome connection with a national organization for her emerging business and moved across the country (a long time dream). Her words, “I know it’s a reflection of HWHN.”

Needless to say, I was humbled. Then I felt that emotion rise from my belly and bubble out of my skin…gratitude.  Imagine if I allowed that weight to lay on my mind and heart. Often we don’t move because we’re afraid of being exposed, yet when we do, we can find freedom in that movement and greater joy where fear once lived. What we gain, when we lose is filled with amazing freedoms. The principle of gratitude, no matter! The joy of learning something new! The ability to teach what we’ve learned! The chance to change a life!

What will you gain when you lose this week? You never know the difference you’ll make in the life of another. 

About the Author: Sister Mothyna James-Brightful is a self proclaimed “Self Love Revolutionary”. She has spent the last decade empowering women and girls to live authentic lives. Sister Mothyna is the Visionary Director and Co-founder of Heal a Woman to Heal a Nation. Sister Mothyna is co-author of Because I am a Queen...100 Affirmations for Daily Living. Stay connected www.hwhn.org: Twitter @mothyna